A roll (often called an Eskimo Roll) is the technique of flipping a capsized kayak back to an upright position while you are still sitting inside it. Instead of performing a wet exit and swimming, you use your paddle and a powerful hip snap to rotate the boat and head back above the surface.
It is considered the “gold standard” of kayaking skills because it keeps you in your boat and out of the water.
How a Roll Works
To successfully roll, you combine body mechanics and paddle leverage in one fluid motion:
- Tuck: When the boat flips, you lean forward and tuck your chest toward the deck to protect your face and reduce water resistance.
- Setup: You reach your paddle up toward the surface of the water, positioning it parallel to the boat.
- The Sweep: You sweep the paddle blade across the surface of the water. This creates the “brace” or leverage you need to push against.
- The Hip Snap: This is the most important part. You jerk your hips to snap the kayak upright while keeping your head down.
- Finish: Your head comes out of the water last. If you lift your head too early, the weight will pull you right back under.
Why the Roll Is Useful
- Efficiency: You stay in the boat, meaning you don’t have to drain water out of the cockpit or climb back in from the river.
- Safety: In whitewater or rough seas, being “out of the boat” (swimming) is dangerous. A roll gets you back in control in seconds.
- Confidence: Once you master the roll, you lose the fear of tipping over, which allows you to try more difficult maneuvers.
Types of Rolls
There isn’t just one way to do it. Depending on the situation, kayakers use different styles:
- C-to-C Roll: A structured, two-part move great for beginners.
- Screw Roll: A more fluid, continuous sweep used by most whitewater paddlers.
- Back Deck Roll: A fast, advanced roll used when you are pinned against the back of the boat.